[Updated at 10:30 p.m. ET] A man who helped subdue the gunman in Saturday's Arizona shooting spree said the man was trying to reload when he was tackled to the ground.

"He was ready for war. He was not playing around," Joe Zamudio told CNN. "He was going to keep shooting. It was not over. He had just ran out of bullets."

The gun, which another bystander had wrestled from the gunman, was empty and cocked open, and the shooter had another magazine at the ready, Zamudio said.

Zamudio pinned him to the ground until police showed up. The suspect, 22-year-old Jared Lee Loughner, is in custody of the Pima County Sheriff's Office, and authorities are obtaining search warrants for a residence and his vehicle. Authorities also are seeking a person of interest but his suspected connection to the incident is unclear.

Loughner is accused of shooting 18 people, including U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, a third-term Democrat who had organized the "Congress on Your Corner" meet and greet. Authorities believe the gunman had specifically targeted Giffords. She is in critical condition after undergoing surgery for a single gunshot wound to the head, but doctors said they¬†are optimistic over her prospects for recovery.

Eleven others were wounded in the shooting and six are dead, among them U.S. District Court Judge John Rolls, a friend of Giffords' who had stopped by the event to say hello after attending Mass, Pima County Sheriff Clarence Dupnik said.

The shooting sent shock waves through Washington, where Giffords was regarded as gracious and kind, a moderate Democrat known for her dedication to her constituents and willingness to work across party lines.

In light of the shootings, all legislation on the House schedule for the coming week has been postponed, House Majority Leader Eric Cantor announced in a statement.

"This has not become the nice United States of America that most of us grew up in and¬†I think its time we do the soul-searching," he said.

"The anger, the hatred the bigotry that goes on in this country is getting to be outrageous and unfortunately, Arizona has become the capital. We have become the mecca of prejudice and bigotry."

[Updated at 10:00 p.m. ET] A House vote scheduled for Monday on whether to repeal health care legislation has been postponed after Saturday's shooting.

All legislation on the House schedule for the coming week has been postponed in¬†a decision by leaders of both political parties in the House so "we can take whatever actions may be necessary in light of today's tragedy," House Majority Leader Eric Cantor said in a statement.

[Updated at 8:55 p.m. ET] A¬† law enforcement source familiar with the investigation says the Glock model 19 used in the shootings was purchased legally.¬†The official did not have details at this time as to when and where the gun was purchased.

The gun was loaded with a 30-round magazine. The official said it is likely the extended magazine used in the shooting¬† was purchased separately and at a different time. The official said such a magazine does not automatically come with a weapons purchase and that it would be extremely rare for them to be sold together in one purchase.

The official said the suspect had purchased another gun a few years ago but this person did not know the details about what happened to that weapon and if the alleged shooter still owned it.

Law enforcement is actively searching for a "person of interest" who is¬†a white male in his 50s believed to have assisted the suspect in a shooting, Dupnik said.

A suspect who Dupnik would not name is in the custody of the Pima County Sheriff's Office, he said. The suspect¬†has had previous contact with law enforcement "regarding threats" to kill, Dupnik said, and described him as having a "troubled past."

"There's reason to believe this individual has a mental issue and I think that people who are unbalanced are especially susceptible to vitriol," he said.

"Vitriol" in public debate was a recurring theme in Dupnik's remarks as he blasted the media for "the vitriolic rhetoric" heard on television and radio.

[Updated at 7:57 p.m. ET] Gabe Zimmerman, director of community outreach for U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, was among those killed in Saturday's shooting at a constituents meeting outside¬†a Tucson Safeway, Gifford press secretary CJ Karamargin said.

Zimmerman was the staff member who set up today‚Äôs event in Giffords‚Äô district, Karamargin said.¬†The¬†Tucson native was engaged to be married.

[Updated at 7:43 p.m. ET] The Army said in a statement that the suspect in the shooting was never in the Army.

"He attempted to enlist in the Army but was rejected for service.¬† In accordance with the Privacy Act, we will not discuss why he was rejected," the Army said in a statement.

[Updated at 7:21 p.m. ET] Jared Lee Loughner, the suspect, had a limited presence on social-media sites, including YouTube and MySpace. Here's a sampling of some of the messages that CNN found on Loughner's pages:

[Updated at 7:12 p.m. ET] The University of Arizona's men's basketball¬†game against Stanford University¬†has been postponed following the shootings.

"The University feels the game should be delayed with deep respect to the victims and families impacted by this tragedy," Arizona athletics director Greg Byrne said.

The game will be played at 12:30 p.m. MST Sunday.

[Updated at 6:48 p.m. ET] Saturday's deadly shootings at an Arizona constituency meeting outside a Tucson Safeway appear to have ‚Äúno nexus to terrorism," a law enforcement official said.

This official did not know if there had been any recent threat against Rep Giffords but said there are frequent threats to various members of Congress, mostly via phone¬† calls or e-mails, or mailed threats.

[Updated at 6:30 p.m. ET] U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts released this statement on the death of U.S. District Court Chief Judge John Roll, who was killed in the shootings:

"Chief Judge John Roll was a wise jurist who selflessly served Arizona and the nation with great distinction, as attorney and judge, for more than 35 years.¬† I express my deepest condolences to his wife Maureen and his children, as well as the other victims and their families.¬† Chief Judge Roll‚Äôs death is a somber reminder of the importance of the rule of law and the sacrifices of those who work to secure it."

[Updated at 6:16 p.m. ET] The Tea Party released this statement regarding the shootings:

‚ÄúWe at the Tea Party Express are shocked and saddened to hear about the terrible tragedy that took place in Tucson today. It is appalling that anyone would commit such unthinkable violence against Congresswoman Gabrielle Gifford, her staff, a sitting federal judge and the many other victims and families impacted.

"These heinous crimes have no place in America, and they are especially grievous when committed against our elected officials. Spirited debate is desirable in our country, but it only should be the clash of ideas.¬† An attack on anyone for political purposes, if that was a factor in this shooting, is an attack on the democratic process.¬† We join with everyone in vociferously condemning it."

[Updated at 5:41 p.m. ET] ÔĽŅÔĽŅÔĽŅWho is Gabrielle Giffords? She's¬†a Democrat who¬†was first elected in 2006. She has served as chairwoman of the House Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee and also holds seats on the House Science and Technology and Armed Services committees.

She won her third term in a closely contested race against a Tea Party-sponsored candidate and was one of three Democratic legislators who reported vandalism at their offices following the March vote on health care reform.

She is married to Navy Capt. Mark Kelly, a NASA astronaut who is scheduled to lead a space shuttle mission to the International Space Station. The two married in 2007, after meeting four years prior in China, as young leaders selected by the National Committee on U.S.-China Relations, Giffords told the New York Times in her wedding announcement.

The article described their courtship as a drawn-out affair between two deeply committed civic servants who slowly found their way to each other. When they met, Giffords was seeing someone and Kelly was married.

After Giffords split from her boyfriend, she invited Kelly to join her on a tour of the Arizona State Prison in Florence.

"I‚Äôd been working on legislation dealing with capital punishment. Mark is the son of police officers ‚ÄĒ well, he just really wanted to sit in ‚Äėthe chair,' " she told the newspaper.

The two married three years later, they married at an organic produce farm in Amado, Arizona, called Agua Linda. An avid recycler, Giffords wore a Vera Wang gown borrowed from a friend.

"To a bride who moves at a velocity that exceeds that of anyone else in Washington, and a groom who moves at a velocity that exceeds 17,000 miles per hour," a wedding guest said in a toast to the couple.

"I am just heartbroken. Gabby (Giffords) is more than just¬†a colleague she is a friend. She has always been a noble public servant," an emotional Brewer said, pausing for composure.

"I ask the people of Arizona and the people of America to keep the victims and their families in their prayers, and pray for their recovery and pray that in Arizona we never have to experience a tragedy like this ever again."

Giffords¬†publicized the "Congress on Your Corner" meet-up at the Safeway in her southern Arizona district on her Twitter account.

Judge John Roll, the chief judge on the U.S. District Court for Arizona,¬†was among 6 people killed, along with a 9-year-old girl, officials said.

Witnesses said the gunman shot Giffords at point blank range through the head and then continued firing. The suspect, identified by law enforcement sources as¬†Jared Lee Loughner, has been taken into custody.

[Updated at 4:52 p.m. ET] Chief Judge John Roll was among 6 people killed at an Arizona constituent meeting outside a Tucson grocery store Saturday.

[Updated at 4:30 p.m. ET] The suspect in a shooting at an Arizona¬†constituent meeting outside a Tucson grocery story is a white male born in 1988, CNN's Jeanne Meserve has confirmed from a federal law enforcement source.

Six people have died, including a 9-year-old girl,¬†and 12 were injured,¬†including U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords,¬†authorities said.

[Updated at 4:07 p.m. ET] Rep. Gabrielle Giffords is in critical condition and¬†a young child has died after a shooting at a political meeting at an Arizona grocery store, a hospital spokesman said Saturday.

Giffords, who was hosting the event, is under anesthesia after undergoing surgery for a single gunshot wound to the head "through and through," said Dr. Peter Rhee, Trauma Director at the University Medical Center in Tucson.

"The Congresswoman is not deceased. She is in critical condition," Rhee said in a press conference. "I am very optimistic about recovery."

Giffords publicized the "Congress on Your Corner" meet-up at the Safeway in her southern Arizona district on her Twitter account.

[Updated at 3:40 p.m. ET] Six people have died and 12 - including U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords - were injured in a shooting at a political meeting at a¬†Tucson, Arizona, grocery store Saturday, according to Rick Kastigar of the Pima County Sheriff's Department.

[Updated at 3:20 p.m. ET] A suspect is in custody in¬†the shootings of at least 12 people, including Rep. Gabrielle Giffords,¬†at a constituent meeting at an Arizona grocery store, the U.S. Capitol Police said in a statement.

"The suspect is in custody. No further details on the motive or other victims are available at this time," the statement said. "The U.S. Capitol Police are directly involved in this investigation. As more information is developed, it will be provided. In the interim, all Members and staff are advised to take reasonable and prudent precautions regarding their personal security."

A statement from President Obama confirmed that some people had died.

"This morning, in an unspeakable tragedy, a number of Americans were shot in Tucson, Arizona, at a constituent meeting with Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords.¬† And while we are continuing to receive information, we know that some have passed away, and that Representative Giffords is gravely wounded," he said.

"We do not yet have all the answers.¬† What we do know is that such a senseless and terrible act of violence has no place in a free society.¬† I ask all Americans to join me and Michelle in keeping Representative Giffords, the victims of this tragedy, and their families in our prayers."

[Updated at 3:00 p.m. ET] Rep. Gabrielle Giffords is currently undergoing surgery for a gunshot wound to the head, a spokeswoman for the University Medical Center in Tucson said.

Nine patients were brought to the hospital, including a child. All of them are in either serious or critical condition and are undergoing surgery, spokeswoman Darci Slaten said.

A federal judge was also among those shot, a law enforcement official said.¬†It is not clear whether he was among those¬†taken to the hospital.

[Updated at 2:43 p.m. ET] There were conflicting reports Saturday about the condition of U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords following a shooting Saturday at a Tucson, Arizona, grocery store. Giffords' press secretary said the congresswoman remains in surgery for her injuries, disputing an earlier report from a law enforcement source saying she had died.

[Updated at 2:23 p.m. ET] U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords died Saturday after a gunman opened fire at a Tucson, Arizona grocery store, a law enforcement source said. Giffords, who had been holding a meeting with constituents, was among at least 12 people shot.

[Updated at 1:51 p.m. ET] U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords was among at least 12 people shot at a Tucson, Arizona, grocery store, a Democratic source told CNN's Dana Bash. The source called her injuries "pretty serious."

[Updated at 1:41 p.m. ET] U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords was meeting with constituents at a Safeway grocery store in Tucson, Arizona, where at least 12 people were injured in a shooting shortly after 10 a.m. MST Saturday, a spokesman for the Pima County sheriff's Department said. It is unclear whether Giffords was among those hurt.

"Several" people were shot Saturday at a grocery store in Tucson,
Arizona, a spokesman for the Pima County Sheriff's Department said. No other details were immediately available.

@Matt~I PROMISE you they ARE VERY MUCH IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS! All anyone is saying,is that we HAVE to STOP and get along again~we have to,or the countrys`going down.Some of us lived thru the horror of losing the Kennedys this way,and ones who did ,swore this country would NOT come to that again and here we are.God help this nation~ALL OF US~who you are makes NO difference,yr color or beliefs,or being illegal,IT DOESN`T MATTER WE ARE ALL HUMAN BEINGS.LETS ALL ACT LIKE IT FOR A CHANGE. Remember,all of you AZ.folks,it is your Gov Brewer who is ALSO stirring things up.and causing terrible heartache for a lot of AZ. families. I am sorry~I simply CANNOT believe we are going down this wrong road again.My God!

The Tea Party nuts and their sponsors, the Koch brothers, stirred up so much hate during the last election that I do not find this result suprising. The crazy campaign of disinformation and outright lies can drive those who are already disturbed over the edge. This is them exercising their 2nd amendments rights. Will Glenn Beck tear up over this, or will he rationalize and do a little dance.

A woman has been shot in the head and at least 12 others are hurt as well, and all everyone can do is turn this into a right wing – left wing argument.... literally minutes after the word gets out. I am truly saddened by the mind-set of the people of this country. Have we lost all sense of decency and respect?

this is a right wing – left wing issue, and those of you to the right are now denying your cupability in supporting, or at least enjoying the hateful antics of the nuts cases that have harassed Rep. Giffords.

Yes, we have lost all dignity and respect as a country. That is why things like this happen. But we also want accountability......it was only a matter of time before something like this happened and we need to stop it from happening again. This starts with our leaders.

CNN allowed someone to state that he was not suprised that this happened because of the right wing in Arizona. How dare you allow someone to say something like this right now. And the CNN commentator allowed this horrible rebel rouser to go on and on with his quick to judgment comments. Shame on you.

She didn't die for the love of god,she died at the hands of evil political propaganda!!
Erick holder now sir you can earn your pay,prosecute everyone who had his/her don't tread campaign going!
Stoking fears,lies and manipulation,all should have no place in politics!

How many people have to die in gun violence before stricter gun laws will be brought in?
Seriously – all the people who say they have to have guns to defend themselves – have you actually every had to pull out your gun to defend yourself?
I think the statistics for that will be very low compared to the number of people killed every year because guns are not difficult to obtain.

Sarah Pac created posters with Giffords in the cross hairs. The pac "targeted" her. Coupled with Psycho Sharon's talk about "second amendment remedies"... They clearly incited this crime and should be held accountable.

"Less Than" (you certainly are):
What part of Jessica's statement was factually incorrect? Her conclusion? In light of the consequences of this individuals actions, it might well be fair and reasonable to say what she did, and I agree with her assessment.

WOW! Not only does this make me sad to be hearing this news but it also makes me sad to see some of the comments on this story. We should be praying for his woman. her family and the person who did this not pointing fingers, slamming people and being animals when tragic stuff like this happens.

I agree. A sad comment on present political environment. Extremists are extremists regardless whether they are in Taliban in Iraq or in our country. A sad turning point for the political dialogue in America.

Those were my thoughts as well. I was bouncing around to different sites and let me tell you, I'm no fan of this administration but how shallow of people to be saying the nonsense we are reading here. My advice is pay attention, listen, study the issues, and quit spouting ignorance. My goodness, I knew people have becomed self centered and arrogant, but to this level?

While CNN is busy reporting on the minor details like whether she is alive or dead, FOX news is covering the real story: her astronaut husband: http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/01/08/arizona-congresswoman-shot-married-astronaut/#content

The problem is by ignoring the cause as you suggest then you are really ignoring what happened to her. The outrage should be their because this was senseless and acts of terrorism by Right Wing nut jobs because someone disagrees with them needs to be brought to the fore or this will increase. We need to shout from the rooftops about this and be very angry because they've been lying and drumming up this rhetoric and people have said hey people are trying to kill me shooting out my windows so forth and Republicans brushed it off and continued. She herself was shot at over healthcare vote before because of the lies by Republicans. I don't think people are scoring political points I think they are demonizing very wrong actions.

Given the gratify of the news the cnn news email alerts had the tag line -
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Looking for something fun, lively and unpredictable? Meet the new
9 o'clock. Piers Morgan Tonight. Premieres January 17 at 9PM ET, only on
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This is so inappropriate – I believe someone should be consciencious enough to know the difference between news of national importance or the possible death of some and a Congresswoman. shame on eyou.

Fully agree. Further, I've never scanned any story's comments without some nasty note, regardless of how positive or benign the subject matter. Whatever purpose these reader forum may have been intended to provide, they have for the most part become forums for the bitter with nothing constructive to add.

It doesnt matter if black or white, democrat, republican or tea partier for or against the administration or whatever, the minute we can no longer have civil disagreements in this country we are all in trouble. Hopefully they caught this idiot and all victims survive

couldnt agree w\ you more, well said. definatly praying for congresswoman gabrielle, the doucebag that shot her should be hung. we need jack bauer to hunt down this suspect in custody and take him out for such a hainus act

@Ben lol beautiful, you represent perfectly the foam-mouthed left-wing ranter who conveniently leaves out or ignores all the facts. The article you posted is simply a bio of Gifford; they already have several other articles all about the shooting and the investigation. Didn't care to mention that, eh? Idiot.

Oh....that is really warm and fuzzy.....but IT DOES MATTER WHO DID THIS. The right is out of control in this country. They are ALLOWED to carry guns....and encouraged to do so by Sarah Palin.... Glenn Beck....Sharon Angell...Sean Hannity... Rush Limbaugh.....etc.....get real people.

You are so right and I applaud you for saying what you did. My thoughts and prayers go out to all concerned, but the blame needs to be directed at those who have helped create the atmosphere in this country. You named them all correctly. People better sit back and take a good long look at this country and the so called politicians who incite otheres to act in violent ways. Can't wait to see Sarah Palins twitter on this one.

You are absolutely correct. I am praying for all those injured including the shooter who obviously is deranged. We have yet to know a motive but the rancor among the political parties leads us to believe this shooting was politically motivated in light of the event in which it took place. I am remembering the attacks of Democrats after the health care reform act came up for a vote.

If reports are accurate and the shooter was apprehended, we should know soon what the motivation was behind this heinous act.

If more people carried guns they could have defended the victim. The stark truth is gun control only controls law abiding citizens while criminals ignore the law. Less than 1% of felonies are committed by people with concealed carry permits. You want more people like us carrying guns – not less...

I support the tea party, I think democrats and any of you who support the liberal agenda are fools but I would never suggest violence against our congress, any of you, etc. The ballot box is enough for me.

So stop the stup~d comments about fox, republicans, or tea party people being responsible for this. I don't assume it's an illegal everytime I hear about violence in a border state and I am interested to see who was responsible for this attack, why he/she/they did it, why there was little or no security, and what can be done to prevent this in the future. But I reiterate my initial statement – more responsible/well trained people carrying guns in this country would make us safer.

If I had been at that event, it was legal for me to carry there (not sure of the law there), I saw someone open fire and I could make a shot without hitting a bystander I would have dropped him when he changed magazines or weapons (which I'm assuming happened if the 12-50 shot witness account is accurate).

And people like you who listen to Rachel and Keith incite hatred by jumping on some bandwagon. Nobody knows anything about the shooter. Unless you're gifted with divine provenance, remember that the one who casts the first stone is the one who will reap the consequences. And no, I'm not a Republican. I'm just someone who is SICK AND TIRED of you know-it-all political inbred idiots. On both sides of the aisle.

If you think the right is bad, then let me enlighten you ... YOU ARE NO DIFFERENT ON THE LEFT!

Jen you sweeetie might feel like a responsible peson but carrying is not going to make you more responsible when you clearly know that there are so many irresponssible people not only in this ntion but in others. As you carrty a weapon drig dealers and wakos are carrying them too so who whens on this draw. The wako killing or drug dealers or the p-eople who feel that it is ok to carry weapons for no use of teir own. think what you represent and what this represents

It's not the fact we have a right to carry guns. Responsible owners register, are REQUIRED by law. A gun can find it's way into the hands of ANYONE wanting one, legal or not. Gun "control" is not the issue nor, in all probability, would it have prevented today's tragic events . Our prayers go out to the families of these innocent citizens

I am a Black woman living in Arizona. As a minority I don't feel safe. I believe we need to put aside all this hate and try to heal arizona. Get rid of the bigots who have migrated to Arizona because of gov brewer and other bigots,

The person who did the shooting is responsible. No one else. Very liberal to alway make the responsible person a "victum" and not responsible for their actions. The responsible person will be prosectuted to the full extent of the law and should be.

Yea....it's the "Rights" fault. Make it a typical left-wing response. Morons think that "I don't like it – so I wanna make a law that supports me." Like that fixes real problems. Shut up and pray for those dealing with this loss. Oooops! I said pray!! I must be a right wing nut!

They are also encouraged by us in the Law Enforcement community as well. I have been shot at by a criminal....so it is personal with me as much anyone. I will always encourage people to protect themselves in any way possible. We as police are not everpresent and/or perfect in our ability to protect people. People have the sole responsibility to protect themselves....police are by no means REQUIRED to protect anyone...did you know that? Did anyone forget the Liberal that took hostages with a gun and "bomb" at the Discovery Channel HQ before being killed .....not a Repu. or Tea Party member. .....there are crazies everywhere.

It may be that a republican fanatic could have done this. But lets get real, stop pointing fingers till you get facts. This has happened throughout history. Stop trying to make a witch hunt. Until you get hard, concrete facts, don't point the finger at our opposition, the republicans, or the tea party. It may have easily been a gang that did this to terroirize the city. You don't know.

Thank you for saying that. The extreme right-wing Tea Party people are out of control. People like Sarah Palin have targeted this woman with a bullseye over her face on ads before the November election. The right has encouraged people to carry guns to political meetings. This is insanity. All this type of hate produces is sadness and suffering, while the purveyors of hate like Beck, Hannity, Palin, BillO, and Limbaugh sit back and rake in the profits.

Hey Laurie, The right is out of control and the left is out of control. The middle is out of control and guess what Laurie so are you. We're all out of control LAURIE!!!!!!! Do you get it? Look at your own life Laurie, smell the coffee in your own kitchen honey. Take a stone a very, very big one if you can and throw it up in the air then stand under it and let it hit you on the head first then come back here and comment on who did what to who, without having any facts at all.

Are you kidding me Laurie?? Show any of us clear minded individuals where or when Sarah Palin, Sean Hannity, et al have ever said carry guns and kill innocent people... Please – show us all. Your hatred for these people does not give you the right to claim they have ever endorsed violence or killing people. Your words are what is wrong with this country. We should all be praying for this woman and all who were injured. There are whack-jobs all over. Crazy people doing crazy things and always will be. It's a shame people turn their anger into rage.

Not knowing the motivation of the killer,blame at this time cannot be placed at the Right's feet. You are clear minded person you must remember Sharon Angle advocating Second Amendments remedies if the election did not go as her backers wanted. We just don't need this kind of rhetoric.

Giffords was on Sarah Palin's "hit" list.
Take Back the 20
http://www.takeba¬≠ckthe20.co¬≠m
The page has been taken down, but may be seen here:
http://www¬≠.ritholtz.¬≠com/blog/2¬≠011/01/tak¬≠e-aim/#mor¬≠e-62021
...
Sharron Angles recommends "Second amendment remedies":
http://www¬≠.alan.com/¬≠2010/08/25¬≠/nevada-u-¬≠s-senate-c¬≠andidate-s¬≠harron-ang¬≠le-we-have¬≠-domestic-¬≠enemies-in¬≠-congress/

Her opponent held a shooting event:
http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/01/flashback-giffords-opponent-had-m16-shooting-event-help-remove-gabrielle-giffords-from-office.php

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